Omar Abdullah Questions India's Participation in Russia Conference That Includes Taliban, Asks 'Why Not a Dialogue With Non-Mainstream Stake Holders in J&K?'

New Delhi, November 9: National Conference (NC) party leader and former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, has questioned Centre's decision to send a "non-official" delegation for the Taliban conference in Russia. Omar Abdullah took to Twitter and asked that "If 'non-official' participation in a dialogue that includes the taliban is acceptable to the Modi government why not a 'non-official' dialogue with non-mainstream stake holders in J&K?" Taliban are in Russia for Talks after 17 Years of War in Afghanistan.

Omar Abdullah articulated his view on the issue through Twitter and asked "Why not a “non-official” dialogue centered around J&K’s eroded autonomy & its restoration?(sic)". Check the NC leader's tweet below:

If “non-official” participation in a dialogue that includes the taliban is acceptable to the Modi government why not a “non-official” dialogue with non-mainstream stake holders in J&K? Why not a “non-official” dialogue centered around J&K’s eroded autonomy & its restoration? https://t.co/722SrqKkvo

Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar earlier said that, “We are aware that the Russian Federation is hosting a meeting in Moscow on 9 November on Afghanistan.” The MEA spokesperson further added that “Our (India's) participation at the meeting will be at the non-official level,” and that India supports all efforts at peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan that will preserve unity and plurality, and bring security, stability and prosperity to the country.